THE Green Party's candidates for the borough's constituencies in the upcoming general election have promised to put the protection of green belt land at the heart of their campaigns.

Dr Jessica Northey will contest the St Helens South and Whiston seat and Rachel Parkinson will be the St Helens North parliamentary candidate for the election on June 8, the party announced.

Both were nominated at a joint session of the St Helens and Knowsley Green Parties on Sunday evening in Prescot.

And the duo pledged to put the preservation of threatened green spaces as a top priority.

The issue of development on green belt land is expected to be a hot topic in St Helens campaigns during the election, with the Rainford Action Group having already asked for candidates to oppose any release of green belt land in the village.

After her selection as St Helens South and Whiston candidate, Jessica said: “I’m delighted to be standing in the general election.

"Local residents are telling me they have had enough of Labour’s attacks on our green spaces, and continued refusal to listen to their concerns.

"I am standing to give local people the opportunity to vote for a candidate who will fight to protect our precious green spaces.

"This election is a chance for the residents of St Helens, Prescot and Whiston to send a clear message to St Helens Council and the right-wing government in Westminster that we will not stand by whilst our green spaces are destroyed.”

Meanwhile, St Helens North candidate Rachel added: “If we are serious about protecting our greenbelts, we need more Green Party MPs in parliament.

"St Helens North needs sustainable development that doesn't encroach on greenbelt, investment in renewable energy and secure jobs that give residents a living wage.”